Wabigoon mourns death of former chief

Community members, family and friends of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s Ruben Cantin Sr. are mourning after the former chief passed away on May 21.

In July 2012 Chief Cantin Sr. was instrumental in the $20 million settlement from the province. Then minister Kathleen Wynne of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and Cantin signed a settlement from a flooding incident that destroyed parts of the reserve dating back more than 150 years. Wynne presented an apology letter and presented the $20 million settlement for the community.

“On behalf of the Chiefs of Ontario, I offer sincere condolences to the family, friends and all First Nations in Treaty #3 on the passing of Chief Cantin Sr.,” said Beardy said in a release. “Chief Cantin Sr. was committed to improving the lives of his community and his tireless work and dedication to his job and his community will not be forgotten. He will be dearly missed.”

A funeral service was held on May 27 at the Dryden Agricultural Centre for Cantin with an Elder officiating. Internment of his ashes will be at a later date.

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, or commonly as Wabigoon First Nation, is a Saulteaux First Nation located in in northwestern Ontario.

It is about 19 kilometres southeast of Dryden, Ont. As of January 2008, the First Nation had a registered population of 533 people, of which their on-reserve population was 175.

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